Study Abroad

According to the International and Educational Exchange Generation Abroad initiative, students who study abroad represent less than 10% of the 2.6 million students graduating with an associates or baccalaureates degree each year. The number for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented minority students is significantly less. There is a movement that seeks to address this gap by educators nationwide but there is still significant work that remains to be done. Access to international opportunities is a barrier for underserved populations. Specifically, the paramount costs associated with courses abroad makes these opportunities near impossible. Oftentimes, students worry about the countless reasons why they shouldn’t or can’t study abroad.

Purdue University’s Horizons global experiences were developed to expand global educational opportunities for traditionally underrepresented groups. Horizons recognizes the need to reach out to underrepresented students and, in partnership with the Office of Study Abroad, provides a framework which promotes study abroad awareness and participation for first-generation, low-income college students. Horizons has tailored a program that addresses student concerns through a holistic process that seeks to change student perceptions, address misconceptions, and provide students with an all-inclusive experience for nearly 65% less cost than a traditional short-term study abroad program at Purdue.

Video Courtesy of Horizons Student Meaghan Hughes

For more information on the Horizons study abroad experiences please see the 2014 & 2015 reports below: